ATP just promised the moon...whats the truth?
05-19-2009, 01:42 PM
#21
New Hire
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: none
Posts: 3
I was in a similar boat to you back in 2002. I was retiring as a "Jake" from the Boston Fire Department. I thought, now is the time to chase the flying dream. I went to work for a regional airline, unfortunately,the airline dream isn't what is was when my Dad worked for DAL, and I left after only eight months. The QOL is non existant. Pay and benifits are even worse. You will find, as an an adult, that has had a good career, that this will result in your not tolerating the treatment impossed upon regional airline pilots. Also, if it had not been for my retirement I could not have supported my wife and kids. My advice, to a brother FF, is to stay on the job and flight instruct on the side. It will be like dipping your toes in the water and not diving in over you head. You will still get to fly and yet be home with the family. I understand the emotional aspect of wanting to be a pilot, but try to remain realistic. Finally, you are doing the right thing by researching the subject on APC.
Best of luck with what ever you do.
Best of luck with what ever you do.
Last edited by TBMDriver; 05-19-2009 at 01:58 PM.
05-19-2009, 03:43 PM
#22
New Hire
Joined APC: May 2009
Posts: 2
"Getting your degree and getting your ratings on the side would be cheaper than going to a pilot mill like ATP. Be smart, don't get "seduced" by the fancy website or shiny brochures." This is what I would advise. Getting a 60,000 to 70,000 loan to go to ATP just doesn't make sense for what you will get paid as CFI for them(ATP)-- if they hire you. Good luck which ever path you choose.
05-19-2009, 04:36 PM
#23
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,293
Originally Posted by TBMDriver
I was in a similar boat to you back in 2002. I was retiring as a "Jake" from the Boston Fire Department. I thought, now is the time to chase the flying dream. I went to work for a regional airline, unfortunately,the airline dream isn't what is was when my Dad worked for DAL, and I left after only eight months. The QOL is non existant. Pay and benifits are even worse. You will find, as an an adult, that has had a good career, that this will result in your not tolerating the treatment impossed upon regional airline pilots. Also, if it had not been for my retirement I could not have supported my wife and kids. My advice, to a brother FF, is to stay on the job and flight instruct on the side. It will be like dipping your toes in the water and not diving in over you head. You will still get to fly and yet be home with the family. I understand the emotional aspect of wanting to be a pilot, but try to remain realistic. Finally, you are doing the right thing by researching the subject on APC.
Best of luck with what ever you do.
Best of luck with what ever you do.
05-20-2009, 06:56 PM
#24
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: blueJet
Posts: 4,512
Originally Posted by ChillBillPilot
I resent the fact that you think just because of where I instruct that I am not a "legit" CFI. Why is it that you feel the need to bash CFIs at ATP because you do not like the company I work for. Maybe it was unintentional but be careful how you word things.
Instead of "legit CFI", what I should have said was shop around and find a good CFI, one that has a gift for teaching and one that takes his/her job seriously. One that will still be there in a month so you don't need to rush your ratings or start over with a new CFI every couple flights.
Sorry to ruffle any feathers. I have no axe to grind with ATP, its employees, or students.
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